The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) says it is addressing Barbadians’ frustrations as they relate to calls about burst pipes.Recently appointed corporate communications specialist at the BWA, Joy-Ann Haigh, gave her assurance in a brief telephone interview with the MIDWEEK NATION yesterday.Haigh, who took up the post in April, said the authority was well aware of the problem islandwide with burst mains and the need for speedy repairs, and promised that corrective action was on the way.She was responding to recent complaints and reports by NATION readers, who not only reported bursts in their areas but lamented the amount of time that was taken to fix them.“We want to thank the NATION for highlighting the issues, and we are addressing them. We are in the process of doing some restructuring, and systems are being put in place to address the burst mains situation in a timely manner,” said Haigh.However, she said she could not divulge any details at the time.Last Sunday, a reader complained about a “fountain” that had been active for a week, spouting gallons of water daily down the drain.“Seven days and counting, despite numerous reports to the BWA,” a R. Mascoll wrote while submitting a photo of the scene in Ridge View Drive, Orange Estates, Jordan, St George. A check on Monday night revealed the situation remained the same.Other reports this week included:• a burst in a “stop-cock” in Welches Terrace, St Michael. “We tried telephoning and emailing [the BWA] without success, so I am appealing to your good graces. This is not a complaint – just a request for repairs at the aforementioned location,” a resident said.• J. Chandler reported a leak in the road on 1st Avenue, Goodland, St Michael, that “has been like this for months”.• and on Sunday, a woman living in Allamanda Avenue, Eden Lodge, St Michael, wrote: “I’m writing to report a leak in the blue pipe which leads to the water meter. It’s been leaking for three weeks now, to the point that the road is mossy and hazardous to pedestrians and the road is also starting to crumble away. The main is in front of the house in the middle of the gap with a mango tree in front of it!” Haigh confirmed the authority had received the reports and had dispatched crews yesterday to mend the mains. Last night, a relieved resident of Corbins Road, Ashton Hall, St Peter, called to say a main which had been leaking for two weeks – and which was highlighted in the last Sunday Sun – was fixed yesterday. (BW)•Over the past few months Barbados has been experiencing a drought. As a result, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) has appealed to Barbadians not to waste water. The BWA itself, however, must also pay attention, since there are a number of burst pipes throughout the island.We want to get those pipes fixed as quickly as possible, so we propose to help the BWA by highlighting the wastage. If you see a burst pipe or can tell us where water is being wasted, email bryanwalker@ nationnews.com
